This work
outlines a research on tensegrity structures, currently under development at
the Department of Structural and Foundation Engineering of the Polytechnic
School of the University of São Paulo. It proposes a methodology to simulate
of erection of tensegrity structures, which can be numerically represented by
a set of nonlinear, geometrically exact truss and cable elements and, in
particular, a kind of truss element capable of sustaining a constant normal
load (in tension or compression), and a cable element capable of representing
ideal or non-ideal sliding between the cable and other objects. Initially the
paper derives the stiffness matrices and load vectors for these different types
of elements, which have been implemented in the PEFSYS finite element code.
Afterwards, the paper describes the use of the proposed methodology to
simulate the assemblage of a large cable dome. The main aspects of the
assembling process are discussed, and some possible operational problems are
investigated, as those arising from the non-synchronous actuation of
hydraulic jacks.